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Oklahoma Sooners Lose Defensive Back To Transfer Portal
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

After completing his debut season with the Oklahoma Sooners, cornerback Jasiah Wagoner is set to explore opportunities in the transfer portal, as indicated by various sources.

Originally hailing from Spanaway, WA, Wagoner, a former 4-star recruit, made his mark by appearing in seven games during his true freshman year, amassing 76 defensive snaps throughout the 2023 season. His performance garnered a respectable 59.2 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

During his time on the field, which included 50 coverage snaps and 26 snaps in run defense, Wagoner faced seven targets, conceding only three catches for a total of 61 yards. Despite contending with an injury setback early on, the young defensive back demonstrated promise, notching three tackles and two pass deflections in his inaugural college football season.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 178 pounds, Wagoner showcased resilience by overcoming his injury to contribute significantly to the Sooners’ defensive lineup. He was part of a trio of standout cornerbacks in Oklahoma’s previous recruiting class, alongside Jacobe Johnson and Makari Vickers, both highly rated 4-star prospects.

Impressively, Wagoner’s playing time as a true freshman nearly matched that of Johnson, while surpassing Vickers by 15 snaps. However, with the Sooners actively seeking reinforcements through the transfer portal, roster adjustments became necessary to accommodate incoming talents such as Branson Hickman, Jermayne Lole, and potentially other targeted transfers.

Wagoner’s rapid ascent during last year’s spring practice and preseason camp earned him recognition as a rising star, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike. Notably, he secured the second spot on the depth chart behind Woodi Washington for the 2023 season opener against Arkansas State.

With his blend of physicality and athleticism, Wagoner holds promise for a bright future, especially if he lands at a program seeking depth at cornerback.

Oklahoma, under the guidance of Valai and his coaching staff, boasts a formidable cornerback lineup, including returning talents like Gentry Williams, Kani Walker, Washington, Johnson, and Vickers, alongside recent addition Dez Malone from San Diego State and a cohort of promising freshmen.

This abundance of talent sets the stage for an intense competition in the Oklahoma Sooners’ cornerback unit heading into the 2024 season.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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